London on a budget? Travelodge makes it possible - A review

Our Christmas was really rather special this year, as the day after Boxing day we arrived in London for three days, made possible by the budget accommodation people at Travelodge.

Not sure what I might find, (I'm used to reviewing rather upmarket places), I discovered that if you want great budget accommodation in a great part of London, Tower Bridge Travelodge is it, offering basic rooms to meet basic needs.

There are several parking options nearby and the Travelodge is accessible from all routes. At first glance, the hotel appears to be converted offices, although it is an attractive building. 

Views aren't up to much though. Indeed, 'We don't have views here,' said reception. But we were only there to sleep really, so what did that matter? And anyway, step outside, and all that London can offer, is not far away at all...


The rooms are reasonably sized, comfy and bright, and more importantly, clean. The bed was bigger than ours at home, so that was a good starter. Just a shame Simon and I had to share one each with the girls, for we had been given two double rooms. This particular Travelodge doesn't provide family rooms or adjoining rooms. Esme Grace and Sofia Faith, being 6 & 3YO therefore, weren't old enough to be in a room by themselves, and so managed to make a very large bed seem very small. 

It is all very basic, but, and this is the point, if you are only there for sleeping, then that's surely all you need? What's so nice however, is that due to a recent revamp, pretty much everything within is new (and it felt and looked like it too). 

The shower was great. The tea and coffee facilities existed. CBeebies could be on the TV. The card keys worked. And so did housekeeping. Don't you just love coming back into the room with everything tidy and in its place again? Such a treat.

This hotel also housed friendly staff that were helpful. Facilities include free wifi and an all night bar - not needed for those of us with children (?!), until you consider that the rowdy noise, courtesy of party peoples can all be contained to the ground floor.

The restaurant was more than adequate and the buffet style breakfast was better than good. The children were well catered for and the atmosphere was lovely. One family were all together celebrating a 21st. They said it was a great location for all they had planned.

The situation is definitely one of the best for visiting London. With easy transport links to the O2, Canary Wharf, Greenwich etc courtesty of the DLR (Docklands Light Railway), or the somewhat slower (yet more seductive) Thames Clipper Service from nearby Katherine Wharf, or with short walks to many Underground services and bus routes. 

Perhaps though, what is really great about this location, is that there is enough to keep you busy for an entire weekend here all within walking distance; including major tourist sites, attractions and restaurants. 

For more budget brilliance, we loved the bus - and sitting at the top. It was every bit as good as a London tour bus, driving us through the West End, down Regent Street, with all the beauty of the Christmas lights, out past the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square and of course taking in the Tower itself. 

Nearby London Bridge services Jubilee Line Underground, and it is but a few stops to Green Park, where we were able to walk to Buckingham Palace and enjoy the changing of the guard, and, the magical delights of Winter Wonderland. 

We also loved Covent Garden, where the street entertainers were worth their weight in gold. Or is that silver? 






















LIFE AS IT IS BLOG - VERDICT
If you want budget accommodation in a great part of London, this is it. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by Tower Bridge Travelodge. Regarding the double room scenario, I spoke to a mum with a babe in arms, who said it had more than come up to her expectations. She had a travel cot set up which worked well for all three of them. However, for parents taking two young children, be prepared for no adjoining/family rooms. 

For details of CHEAP Winter rooms at Travelodge, check here

Life As It Is/Emma Oliver, received accommodation and food in exchange for this review. 

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